𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏'𝒕 𝒔𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒖𝒔 | 𝑩𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆

Feelings | Chapter 12

ROSE WAS STILL SITTING ON BILLY'S BED, only that both of them were dressed again in the meantime. She was not ashamed at all this time. Today she had actively wanted it too, even if Billy had made the first step in that direction again. However, since she had been absolutely distracted, the topic of why she was actually here had not even been conclusively settled. Of course, she thought it was really nice that Billy seemed to have an honest interest in her, only he couldn't just bash her friends. Steve had really taken enough of a beating in the last few days, he couldn't have Billy beating him up.

"Okay, Billy," she therefore said seriously, looking at him.

He was just standing by his dresser again, nestling a cigarette butt out of the pack. He didn't look up but lit the cigarette and took a long, hearty drag. She was unsure if he was listening to her.

"Billy?" she therefore asked again.

"Huh?" he just growled as he took a drag on his cigarette. She wanted to choose her next words very carefully now.

"I find it very...flattering that you care so much about me and.... seem to like me." Oh man, what was she talking about? Like she was a stupid kid. A little unsure of herself, she continued to speak.

"Except you can't just beat up my friends..and actually decide who can and can't get near me." Billy looked up and felt into her soul. The eye contact made her so uncomfortable, but she held her ground. A slight smile played around his lips.

"'A lion defends its prey....' he then said very confidently.

Rose raised her eyebrows in surprise. She would have expected anything from Billy fucking Hargrove...but not THAT! He was more the type who had one night stands and never went to the same woman twice. At least that's how she had judged him. But he had become intimate with her for the second time and now he said something like that to her?

While she sat there thinking about it, Billy watched her closely. He took another drag on his cigarette and put it out in the ashtray. Then he walked up to her and squatted right in front of her. Torn from her thoughts, she looked at him, slightly startled.

"Did you hear what I said?" he asked, his blue eyes fixing on her. She nodded slightly.

"Yes... only, I don't know exactly what to say to that.... I'm happy about it, honestly. Just..." she hesitated.

"Just what?" He tried to follow up. Rose took a deep breath.

"I don't know what that means about you exactly..I really haven't known you that long, and your impressions so far have been very...wild."

He said nothing, but continued to stare at her. He blinked slowly. Just as he was about to say something, the door handle moved. Since Billy had locked it quickly earlier, the door didn't open.

Immediately there was an energetic knock on the door and an aggressive voice was heard:
"Open the door right now, William! You know very well that in this house all doors are left open!" Billy stood up quickly and his body visibly tensed. He looked at the door, then back at Rose. There was an immediate change in his eyes; he seemed tougher again.

Dealing with his father left such a violent mark on his soul. Rose felt a tugging in her heart and jumped up. Without giving it a second thought, she hurried past Billy to the door, unlocked it and opened it. Neil stood there, his face contorted in rage.

"Sorry!" she then said aloud, trying to look as guilty as possible.

"I locked the door because I really wanted to study with Billy. He told me that's not a good idea, but I wouldn't listen. I hope it's okay?" Whew, that was one hell of a lie. There was nothing at all in that room to even hint at learning. And Billy might not even have been the type to study for school....